20 of the Best Picture Books to Inspire Positivity and Self-Confidence
We All Love Book Recommendations, Right?
I don’t think it really matters how old you are … there is something intrinsically engaging about picking up and reading a children’s picture book. The art of marrying a message with an illustration is appealing to young and old. And we know just how memorable and impactful picture books can be. So, we at Constructing Confidence decided to compile our favorite books that help inspire children to build their sense of positivity and self-confidence.
As explained in The Positivity Toolbox, there is a science to developing positivity, and 40% is within our control through intentional activity. So, how do we take a co-learning approach to practicing these lifelong skills alongside kids? We share 12 research-based behaviors to explore in The Positivity Toolbox. Then, we recommend revisiting these skills to build powerful and positive habits of mind. To that end, children’s picture books are a wonderful way to reinforce this messaging.
Happiness Is … 500 Things to Be Happy About by Lisa Swerling and Ralph Lazar: Quite often it is the little things in life that can make you happy, and sometimes you need a reminder or two or 500!
A Little Spot Needs Positive Thinking by Diane Alber: This book series helps unpack big emotions for little kids and reminds them that life is all about balance.
Taco Falls Apart by Brenda S. Miles PhD and Monika Filipina (Illustrator): It can be hard to get through the day when there are so many expectations, and sometimes, even with the best intentions, we can begin to crack and fall apart.
Pass It On by Sophy Henn: Happiness is a feeling to pass on, even on a cloudy day! And you never know when it might be passed on back to you.
Kindness Grows by Britta Teckentrup: Words matter, and this clever book with cut-outs and rhyming verse illustrates the concept of kindness in a concrete way.
The Magic Is Inside You: Powerful & Positive Thinking For Confident Kids by Cathy Domoney and Karen Davis (Illustrator): Sometimes we all need to be reminded that we can silence the negative thoughts and take back control with a can-do attitude and a positive mindset.
The Gratitude Jar — A children’s book about creating habits of thankfulness and a positive mindset by Katrina Liu and Bella Ansori (Illustrator): Mina (like us all) is too caught up in others’ lives, and she needs a gentle reminder to recognize all the wonderful things that are going on in her own life.
The Magical Yet by Angela DiTerlizzi and Lorena Álvarez (Illustrator): Who or what is Yet? This rhyming tale helps us look forward to all that we have YET to accomplish.
Selma by Jutta Bauer: Selma, a sweet little grass-eating sheep, teaches us all a lesson about what exactly is happiness.
Bloom by Anne Booth: Sometimes, kind words are the type of encouragement we all need.
Happy Right Now by Julie Berry and Holly Hatam (Illustrator): While happiness is important, we do need to feel all the feels. By acknowledging the not-so-happy moments in our lives, we can push through and come out on the other side.
Joy by Corrinne Averiss and Isabelle Follath (Illustrator): Oh, if finding joy were as simple as waving about a catching-kit. Fern’s adventure illustrates the elusive yet rewarding hunt for joy.
Mel Fell by Corey R. Tabor: With award-winning illustrations, Mel shows us what it looks like to believe in oneself.
Catching Thoughts by Bonnie Clark and Summer Macon (Illustrator): A most clever story about literally facing one’s negative thoughts in order to replace them with positive ones. A mindful practice indeed!
Spin by Rebecca Janni and George Ermos (Illustrator): Life is full of ups and downs, but we all need to keep pedaling (or pushing) forward.
Tomorrow Most Likely by Dave Eggers and Lane Smith (Illustrator): The possibilities are endless when you look forward to what can happen tomorrow.
The Big Orange Splot by Daniel Manus Pinkwater: We all should embrace our individuality and creativity in order to express ourselves, just as Mr. Plumbean does when painting his house on a “neat” street.
The Whatifs by Emily Kilgore and Zoe Persico (Illustrator): We can all struggle with anxiety and be plagued by the Whatifs. Join Cora as she battles her ever-present doubts before a big day.
Taste Your Words by Bonnie Clark and Todd Bright (Illustrator): What if mean words tasted like rotten eggs? How might you sweeten up your words? Amera is about to find out!
Dream Street by Tricia Elam Walker and Ekua Holmes (Illustrator): Community counts! Share in the friendships of all ages in this award-winning picture book.
Do let us know which books you would add to this list, and also tell us which ones were your (and your children’s or students’) favorites. And consider bringing The Positivity Toolbox to your school! Learn more from Robin, a leading mental health solution that prepares students for learning success.
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